Arm Lifting

A more toned and tighter upper arm is what can be achieved thanks to arm lifting, also known as Brachioplasty. Both skin and fat are to be removed during the procedure.

Procedure time & anaesthetic

The goal of an arm lift is to result in a toned and tighter upper arm appearance. The length of the incision varies depending on how much skin and fat are to be removed. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat as well if necessary. Patients who have a fairly good skin tone may only require a minor incision. However, patients who have excessively loose, a hanging skin will require an incision that may run from the armpit to the elbow. In some patients, the armpit will also need to be addressed and surgically tightened.

Brachioplasty is performed under general anesthetic in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 hours to complete commonly as a day-case. An overnight stay can be arranged if required.

Recovery time & after care

After surgery, the arm is protected with a compression garment and drain tubes may be present. Swelling, bruising and some numbness is normal and to be expected.

Patients should keep the arm elevated to promote blood circulation and help with swelling. Moderate pain and discomfort are expected for 3 – 5 days. Patients can go back to their normal daily activities after 2 or 3 days, but avoid strenuous exercise/activity for 6 weeks.

It will be necessary to wear a support garment for the first 3 weeks, day and night, followed by wearing for 3 weeks during the day. The majority of swelling will resolve in 2 – 3 weeks but it will take up to 3 months for the arms to return to normal feel.

After surgery

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so. During the recovery, the nurses will measure your Blood pressure through a cuff. She will also attach a monitor to your finger to check your pulse and level of Oxygen in your blood to ensure you are fully oxygenated.

Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your recovery and a follow- up to an appointment with your plastic surgeon. You may also receive medications or a prescription, but many plastic surgeons prescribe postoperative medications in advance. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection.

We advise no showering for one week which is a very difficult task for anyone. We advise that it is ok to have regular hand showers with lukewarm water and ensuring no water is submerged onto the incisions. We will advise you of this before you leave the hospital.

7 days after surgery

You will return to the hospital for your post-operative review, in which any stitches are removed. Though the surgeon uses dissolvable stitches, we will check to make sure your incisions have healed. You will also be assessed with any leftover swelling and any advice to help improve your recovery time.

1 year after surgery

As apart of your aftercare, we advise all patients to book in once a year to see their surgeon for a brief assessment of the consistent results.

Time off work

We recommend taking 7-14 days off of work following your arms lifting procedure. In this case, I can supply you with a medical certificate for your employer.

Post-op appointments

Post-operative follow-up is of paramount importance. Each patient undergoing any Cosmetic Surgery will be given post-operative appointments for wound management and suture removal.
Post-operative instructions are vital and we consider it very important that you adhere to them.
Failing to follow these guidelines and attend your appointments can adversely affect the outcome of surgery and put patient safety at risk.